UAH Graduate Studies Program to Host GEM GRAD Lab Symposium

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Aug. 25, 2014) - The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Graduate Studies Program will host a GEM Grad Lab symposium on Saturday, Sept. 13. The event will focus on the professional benefits of under-represented groups to obtain graduate degrees in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

GEM Grad Lab is offered by UAH in partnership with the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM). The free day-long symposium, will begin at 9:30 a.m., with registration in the Shelby Center for Science and Technology (room 109). While Grad Lab is a free event, seating is limited and registration is required. Please reserve your seat at: https://egem.gemfellowship.org/events/ViewEvent.aspx?contextID=10119. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered Grad Lab participants.

"We could not be more excited about the opportunity to host this event for the state and region. The GEM Fellowship is focused on helping underrepresented students gain access to graduate education through a unique consortium between the universities and industry," said Dr. David Berkowitz, Dean of the UAH Graduate Program. "Our partner institutions such as Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi State and LSU will bring students to UAH and allow us to showcase our campus, labs and our programs. This unique event also provides an opportunity for our UAH students who are interested in programs at those fine institutions. Its a win-win for the students and the universities. I would encourage students who are interested in attending to contact the graduate school to reserve their participation."

GEM Grad Lab seminar topics will include "Why Graduate School," "How to Prepare for Graduate School," "Understanding the GEM Fellowship and Other Opportunities," and "Applying to Graduate School." Additionally, a panel discussion entitled "Voices from the Field-Real Life Research and Internship Experiences" will be presented by young successful professionals, who hold, or are currently pursuing graduate degrees.

The symposium is co-sponsored by The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), Auburn University, The University of South Carolina, Mississippi State University, and Louisiana State University.

GEM is a partnership of universities and industry members that offers fully funded competitive fellowship opportunities for underrepresented students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in the STEM fields while also gaining internship experience in industry.